Chris Huhne cuts gloomy figure as he makes first court appearance

Former energy secretary
Chris Huhne cut a gloomy figure as he appeared in court today to face charges of perverting the course of justice.

Former energy secretary Chris Huhne was mobbed by press as he arrived at Westminster Magistrates’ Court (Picture: AP)

Mr Huhne had trouble avoiding the media scrum as he arrived for the hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court – so much so that he mistakenly tried to walk in the wrong entrance to the court before being pointed in the right direction by a police officer.

The MP’s ex-wife, Vicky Pryce, is also accused of perverting the course of justice (Picture: AP)

The Lib Dem MP for Eastleigh in Hampshire is accused of dodging a speeding penalty, which he allegedly persuaded ex-wife Vicky Pryce to take responsibility for to avoid points on his licence.

The accusations about the incident, which happened in 2003, emerged last year – just months after Mr Huhne left his wife.

The split was the result of his admission to an extra-marital affair with Carina Trimingham.

After an eight-month investigation by Essex Police, which involved taking a national newspaper to court in order to force it to disclose information allegedly related to the case, the Crown Prosecution Service decided to bring charges against both Mr Huhne and Ms Pryce.

Mr Huhne has claimed he is innocent but resigned from his job as energy secretary after charges were brought against him, saying he wanted to ‘avoid distraction’.

Ms Pryce and her ex-husband barely exchanged a glance as they stood in the dock, speaking only to confirm their names, dates of birth and addresses.

Judge Riddle said the case would be sent to Southwark Crown Court on March 2.